LC question from a Nissan guy

[teejnut]

Not all FZJ's have FF rears and rear discs, my 93 doesnt. Most do though.

Didn't know that... so yours is a semi-float with drums like mine?

 

[ChuckB]

I have been thinking about getting an FJ80 and swapping in an H55F 5-spd. This might be an option for the OP. Would anyone take that set-up over an FZJ80?

 

[mike h]

Will - I replaced my built 1997 Pathfinder with a 1996 80-series last year and couldn't be happier. I think for your use, an out-of-country expedition, any of the 80 series would be fine. Given the current gas panic, you're in a great position to buy one pre-built at a good price. Watch the For Sale board on IH8MUD - they pop up every day. Not sure why you'd swap out the axles and birfs - wait until you know what you bought. The Slee parts are great but if the 80 has recent axles service I'd leave it alone and put your money elsewhere. the factory parts are plenty strong.

I think that is what you'll find comparing an 80 to the Nissan - the factory Land Cruiser parts are so bulletproof it can be hard to justify replacing with non-OEM parts. A bone stock land Cruiser of any year is capable of undertaking your planned trip. My suggestion is to keep all the running gear stock and just do tires/armor/winch. Find one with lockers or add them, get some on-board air, put a roofrack on it and head south.

Here is my 97 pathfinder face-to-face with the 80.

 

[Will0051]

Thanks guys, I appreciate yalls input. If yall have anything else just add it I will read when my eyes are better. I got flash burn at welding school.

 

[upcruiser]

I have been thinking about getting an FJ80 and swapping in an H55F 5-spd. This might be an option for the OP. Would anyone take that set-up over an FZJ80?

H55F is still in my long term plan for my truck. I'd love to try this setup out to see the diiference. I suspect that any issues I have with power on the road would be solved or at least greatly lessened.

 

[upcruiser]

I have been thinking about getting an FJ80 and swapping in an H55F 5-spd. This might be an option for the OP. Would anyone take that set-up over an FZJ80?

H55F is still in my long term plan for my truck. I'd love to try this setup out to see the diiference. I suspect that any issues I have with power on the road would be solved or at least greatly lessened.

 

[robski]

I replaced my 94 with a 92 3fe. The difference between the two, 93 up to 97 has 50 more horses, factory lockers, FF rear, and braking power. While the 3fe is slower(91 to 92) non full floater rear, smaller 15" wheels, and narrower flares.

I sold the 94 due to financial thing that came up at that time and up to now I still regret selling it. I ended up with my 92 is because it was a bargain and I was looking for the same body style but cheaper enough not spend to much money into it. Luckily all it needs is just a minor tune up that the PO neglected and I didn't know that it has a factory 90amp alt. which is somewhat suprising.

Both trucks has its own pros and con but both great rig for any type of wheeling you will do.

 

[LRNAD90]

What more could you ask for? $6,250?!?

Trucks like this were selling for twice the price a year ago...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/221060-1997-lx-450-locked-161k-lancaster-pa-area-%246900.html

 

[89s rule]

Didn't know that... so yours is a semi-float with drums like mine?

I edited my post. I have heard of some of the early 93's that had a SF. Mine does not. (Sorry spoke to soon.)

 

[ChuckB]

H55F is still in my long term plan for my truck. I'd love to try this setup out to see the diiference. I suspect that any issues I have with power on the road would be solved or at least greatly lessened.

I would love to see and feel how this set-up drives. Everyone that has done the swap on an FJ62 says it makes a huge difference. I'm keeping this idea in the back of my head and I might just see if I can find a steal on an FJ80. If the H55F doesn't solve the power problem it would be much easier to put in a Vortec at that point :chowtime:

 

[teejnut]

I would love to see and feel how this set-up drives. Everyone that has done the swap on an FJ62 says it makes a huge difference. I'm keeping this idea in the back of my head and I might just see if I can find a steal on an FJ80. If the H55F doesn't solve the power problem it would be much easier to put in a Vortec at that point :chowtime:

Isn't it harder to do the H55 swap on the FJ80 due to the different transfer case vs. the 60/62?

 

[ChuckB]

Isn't it harder to do the H55 swap on the FJ80 due to the different transfer case vs. the 60/62?

I think, but I'm not positive that you would have to swap to a 60 split-case or go aftermarket.